Even though the Red Sox haven't made splashy moves this offseason like a certain rival about 450 miles south of Boston has, they continue to make solid, low-risk, high-reward acquisitions to bolster the roster.
The latest and best deal so far is the signing of future Hall-of-Famer John Smoltz. Boston could not have added a better quality pitcher to the roster.
Smoltz is coming off shoulder surgery, but all reports say he is heeled and could be ready to go to start the season, but the Sox will play it safe and likely hold him out until some time in May.
After 22 seasons with the Braves, Atlanta decided they didn't need the 41-year-old Ace. The Sox said thank you very much and scooped him up for $5.5 million for one year. The deal is packed with incentives and could reach $10 million.
This move is similar to the deal the Sox made with Curt Schilling back in '04, with the exception of the length of the contract, and we all know how that turned out.
Smoltz, who is the only pitcher ever to have more than 200 wins and 150 saves, says he feels great, is excited to be in Boston and is looking to pitch more than one season.
His postseason numbers are some of the best ever. He's made an incredible 40 postseason appearances, 27 of them starts, and has a 2.65 ERA. He was the starting pitcher for the Braves in the epic 1991 World Series Game 7 against the Minnesota Twins which the Twins won 1-0 in 10 innings. Smoltz had a 1.26 ERA in two starts in what was his first World Series.
He's a perfect fit and will combine with Josh Beckett, Jon Lester, Daisuke Matsuzaka and newly acquired Brad Penny to form the best starting staff in baseball.
His versatility is also a huge boost for the Sox. If they need to move him to the bullpen he has experience as one of the best closers in the game.
The Sox also added Rhode Island native Rocco Baldelli as a fourth outfielder, and former Dodgers closer Takashi Saito to the roster, and resigned Mark Kotsay for $1.5 million. Again all low-risk, high-reward signings.
Baldelli was one of the top prospects in baseball when he came up with Tampa Bay in 2003. He has a .281 career average with some pop and speed. He will be a great replacement for J.D. Drew when he gets his annual injury.
Keeping Kotsay is another nice move as he can play first base and the outfield. With a bench featuring Baldelli, Kotsay and Julio "Pig" Lugo, all guys that would start for most teams, the Sox seem to be well-positioned to weather any injuries that may arise this season.
Saito was one of the top closers in the National League in his three seasons with the Dodgers, posting 81 saves and a 1.95 ERA despite missing much of last season with an elbow injury.
He will be an excellent insurance policy in case something happens to Jonathan Papelbon, and will combine with fellow Japanese reliever Hideki Okajima to form a nice right-left set up man combination.
The only question mark remaining for the roster is catcher. The Sox are having discussion with the Diamondbacks about Miguel Montero. He's a decent prospect with some power, but it would be pretty risky to go into the season with him and Josh Bard as the catching tandem.
Boston is still pursuing a possible trade with Texas for Jarrod Saltalamacchia also. If they can pull off a deal with the Rangers, "Salty" would be a nice addition. There is still the possibility that the team will bring back Jason Varitek as well.
The old saying says pitching and defense wins championships and it looks like the Sox have built a winner judging by their depth and experience in these departments.
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